CUHK Journalism Award named
Cable’s So Kai-chi as the Winner
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Journalism and Communication Alumni Association (CUHK-JCAA) announced today that Mr. Edgar So Kai-chi, principal reporter of Cable News Channel, Hong Kong Cable Television Limited, has been awarded the 1st “CUHK Journalism Award”. The association announced also that Mr. Kevin Lau Chun-to, editorial writer of Ming Pao Daily News, and Miss Sharon Cheung Po-wah, senior reporter of Cable News Channel, both have been awarded “Certificate of Merit”.
The 1st CUHK Journalism Award was organized by the CUHK-JCAA to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and to applaud the achievements of young journalists who have outstanding performance in reporting and have contributed significantly to the development of the journalism profession in Hong Kong, said Mr. Leung Tin-wai, chairman of the Organizing Committee of the CUHK Journalism Award.
Mr. Edgar So Kai-chi, winner of the “CUHK Journalism Award”, entered the competition with three pieces of work, “Before the Epidemic Spread – Guangdong/Hong Kong”, “Blood from the Mountains/Rural Debt” and “Forbidden Birth”. Mrs. Sally Lam, one of the judges, commented that Mr. So’s “overall performance is excellent” and his works are “in-depth, comprehensive and rational in revealing social problems”.
Mr. So was happy that his work and ideas were appreciated. He felt deeply the importance of free flow of information and the role of Hong Kong media when he worked on “Before the Epidemic Spread– Guangdong/Hong Kong”.
“There are often setbacks in covering the Mainland,” said Mr. So. “However, as long as a journalist insists on not spinning or speculating, local officials are willing to cooperate when they understand that the journalist is just reporting the facts.” He is convinced that journalists should carry the responsibility to serve society and to speak for the underprivileged.
Initially, the organizer planned only to give one award. Nevertheless, considering the very competitive quality of the entries, the panel suggested honoring Mr. Kevin Lau Chun-to and Miss Sharon Cheung Po-wah each with a “Certificate of Merit”.
Mr. Lau entered the competition with a series of analytical writings and commentaries on the impacts of Article 23 legislation on press freedom. “Mr. Lau uses his professional knowledge in the legal field to analyze the core issues and thus helps readers to make better judgments,” commented Professor Leonard Chu, one of the judges. The panel was impressed by Mr. Lau’s contributions to lift the standards of the journalism profession.
Mr. Lau said he did not expect to win a prize when he entered the competition. He felt pleased and honored to be awarded the certificate, though he thought that good work itself was already a reward. Being an editorial writer for Mingpao Daily News, Mr. Lau said that a good editorial should be persuasive and constructive in suggestions, and, more importantly, objective in its arguments.
The other recipient of a “Certificate of Merit”, Miss Sharon Cheung Po-wah entered the competition with “Questioning the Imperial Appointment of the Chief Executive: Jiang Zemin Roared Back at HK Reporters, ‘TOO SIMPLE, SOMETIMES NAIVE'”, “Human Rights of Chinese Lepers”, and “Guangzhou-HK Cooperation: Guangzhou Mayor Chastised HK Media Craving for Chaos”. Mrs. Sally Lam appreciated Miss Cheung’s “Too simple, sometimes naive” questioning style and said reporters should avoid being overly sophisticated. She said Miss Cheung’s simple and direct questioning skills, her courage to stand up to authorities and her calm and factual reporting style worked to live up the spirit of journalism. Another judge, Mr. Ng Ming-lam echoed the comments on Miss Cheung’s courage to ask questions. “There is no naive question, only naive answer,” he added.
Miss Cheung was happy to see her work appreciated. She was surprised to win the honor because she has witnessed the fine work of many other reporters who contributed silently to the field. “As long as I’m still curious and passionate about news and still ponder the meanings behind what I hear, I will stay to guard the news profession,” said Miss Cheung, who has been a journalist for eight years.
The CUHK Journalism Award was decided by a panel of judges consisting of Professor Edward K.Y. Chen, chairman of Hong Kong Press Council and President of Lingnan University; Professor Leonard L. Chu, chair professor and director of the Centre for Media and Communication Research, School of Communication, Hong Kong Baptist University; Mrs. Sally Lam, director of Hong Kong Economic Journal; Mr. C.K. Lau, executive editor (News) of South China Morning Post; Professor Paul S.N. Lee, director and professor of School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK; Mr. Leung Tin-wai, media consultant and adjunct professor of the School of Journalism and Communication, CUHK, and, Mr. Ng Ming-lam, consultant of Metro Broadcast.
The winner of the Grand Prize was awarded a cash prize of HK$20,000, a trophy, and a certificate. The award presentation ceremony was officiated by Mr. Allan K.K. Leong, S.C., former chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association.
